Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift truck extensions are a great option whenever you find you have to reach further than your standard lift truck allows. Moreover, if you find that a load exceeds over what you could safely raise on your lift truck, an extension can help you do your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Efficiency
Extensions would offer extra support and capacity to the forklift when lifting or moving containers, pallets, or very heavy cargo. Furthermore, the extensions will add more length to the existing forks enabling the individual operating it to reach farther than before. Utilizing lift truck extensions truly saves a company the requirement to acquire separate equipment so as to complete the task. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity choices making use of the machine you already have.
Lots of extensions just slip on top of the standard forklift blades. Extensions can be bought so as to fit forks that have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is vital to measure your extensions to be able to obtain a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider than the size stated is vital to making sure the accurate fit. When acquiring your extension size, be sure it is equal to your blade's width. For instance, if you have blades which are 6 inches wide, you would use an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA which standardize the length of extension that you could utilize. Based on the regulation, extensions can not be longer than 50% of the original fork length. Abiding by those rules will help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions in order to prevent corrosion. The two most popular dimensions for lift truck extensions in the business are 60" and 72", even if, various lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are obtainable in two choices. The first choice connects the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. This is the rapid release mechanism. The next and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more stable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are existing in both tapered or non-tapered for most pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads have coils drums or pipes. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are normally made of steel and can be made to fit forks up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place utilizing a locking bar, they slide on and off with no trouble. Triangular extensions differ in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
It is always a good plan to use safety precautions when handling any kind of industrial equipment and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your lift truck extensions prior to using it is also a great habit to get into. After the extensions have been positioned onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism should be inspected also. Physical injury or damage to the load can occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would likewise help to ensure the safety of the person operating it as well as others working in close proximity.
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